U. K. to Strengthen Saudi Arabia Air Force As Defense Vs. Egypt

Reports received here today indicate that emergency steps are being taken to strengthen Saudi Arabia against Egypt by aerial weapons in excess of the recent $400, 000,000 Anglo-American transaction.

The information received here today said Saudi Arabia has concluded, because of events in Yemen, that an emergency program was essential. Accordingly, 37 Thunderbird missiles have been rushed to Saudi Arabia, along with a squadron of jet fighters with British pilots. It was made known that these steps are separate from the earlier $400,000,000 deal that provided for British and American jets and missiles.

A request by Saudi Arabia for American to speed up delivery of Hawk missiles was rejected here on technical grounds, it was reported.

The British will fly lightning interceptors and Hawker Hurricanes based at Riyadh.